CAN you believe it’s already 2004? Just four years ago, we were all worried about the Y2K bug. And how here we are, still having fun with our gadgets and toying with the latest technology. Just four years ago, we were worried about the world ending once it turned January 1, 2000. And now, here we are, four years later, still alive.

It’s the start of another year. It’s the start of another phase and chapter in our lives. It’s another chance to being life anew, to make up for past mistakes, to live a new life, to start over again. It’s another chance for people to become the person they want to be and who they can be.

Start off the New Year by reflecting on the past year. How was the last year for you? Was it a year you’d remember for the rest of your life? Why you think it is so? Was there something you did personally that makes the last year so memorable? Were you able to grow as a person?

Was it a year you would want to erase from your life? Do you have regrets? Was there an outside party involved that ruined the year for you? Are you prepared to move on?

The key to living a better life is not forgetting about the past and living in the present. It’s about realizing and learning from past mistakes and applying it to the present to make for a better future.

Reflection is only the first part. It realizes what you did right and what you did wrong. Why don’t you try it?

Next, make a conviction, a promise to yourself. What are you going to do different this year? As for me, I made a vow to myself to be more charitable and offer my help to anyone who needs and accepts it. I’ve been pretty satisfied and content with my life, except for this part of myself.

Don’t be afraid if you realize change is involved for it is in change that we grow as a person. I’m a different person now from the person that I was two years ago. And I’m glad. I’ve changed. I’ve learned to let go of my qualities that have been holding me back (cynicism, doubt, critical) and focused on those that matter (positive, loving, dedicated, hardworking, appreciative) and now I’m looking forward to my future, as happy as I can be.

New doesn’t realize mean it’s bad. It’s just different from what we’re used to, especially when you know it’s going to help you become the person you want to be, the person you can be, and the person you should be.

Every New Year marks a fresh start for us. Use it wisely.

Jax :: 11:50 AM ::

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